WRESTLING: CIF divisional champs crowned, focus now on Master's

Santiago sophomore Justin Thomas won a title and helped the Sharks clinch another divisional team title. (File photo)

Less than 24 hours after clinching a second straight CIF-SS Northern Division team title, Corona Santiago wrestling coach Steve Glassey had already scoped out brackets for this week's Master's tournament.

"I think we have the opportunity of getting four champs," Glassey said Sunday, adding the top goal at Master's is getting as many wrestlers qualified for the state meet as possible and then challenging for a top-5 spot at the state championships. Last year the Sharks were in top form at this point in the season, winning a Big VIII League title and then winning a divisional title and the Master's on the way to a program-best fifth-place finish at state.

"We just have to put points on the board," Glassey said.

Easier said than done. Santiago has been without sophomore standout Jeremy Thomas, who was a likely medal contender at state before being injured earlier this season. The Sharks will also be without 113-pounder Brandon Esparza, who was disqualified Saturday following an altercation after the championship match.

That incident led to a wild finish in which Santiago, which entered the finals round up 11 points on league rival Corona Centennial, had to hold off the Huskies. Because of the disqualification, the Sharks lost points and Centennial still had wrestlers in the upper weight brackets.

In the end, the Sharks won by a half point, 198 to 197 1/2.

"These guys are seasoned champions," Glassey said of the team's confidence heading into Master's. "We've always been processing for the state meet. It doesn't matter, anything less than the state meet - that's been our philosophy all along. Just get to state and then be a top-5 team again."

Justin Thomas was named Lower Weight MVP while Roosevelt 285-pounder Nour Abdullatif may have had the most dominant weekend, pinning all five opponents in the first round to earn Upper Weight MVP.

Temecula Valley wrestlers, coaches and support staff celebrate after winning the Inland Division title on Saturday. (Allan Steele/Staff)

At Temecula Valley, coach Arnold Alpert was also looking ahead to the Master's meet. The Golden Bears won the Inland Division title on Saturday and qualified nine wrestlers.

"Next week (at Master's) is an important week to get us to state and state is what really matters," he said after Saturday's win. "That's what we're preparing for and we're looking forward to it."

Bloomington sends eight wrestlers to the Master's meet after finishing second in the Central Division meet. Bruin 120-pounder Miles Avila-Johnson recorded five falls to earn Lower Weight MVP. Bloomington 138-pounder Uzo¬ Owuama and Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World 170-pounder Christian Smith also won titles.

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